Battery manufacturing system and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery manufacturing system is provided. The battery manufacturing system includes a coupling device configured to: form a plurality of first electrodes having electrode IDs from first electrode sheets, the electrode IDs being allocated to the first electrode sheets at predetermined intervals; forming a plurality of second electrodes by the second electrode plates; and coupling the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, where the coupling device may include a controller configured to collect coordinate dependent electrode ID data based on a first input quantity of the first electrode slice, a second input quantity of the second electrode slice, and an electrode ID detection signal, the coordinate-dependent electrode ID data includes an electrode ID and a coordinate value of at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode that matches the electrode ID.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing system and a battery manufacturing method.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0128126, filed on September 25, 2023, and the entire contents of this Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, batteries (especially secondary batteries) can be charged and discharged multiple times. Batteries such as secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various types of wireless devices (such as mobile phones, laptop computers and cordless vacuum cleaners). Recently, because the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of batteries has dropped sharply due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel vehicles, the main use of batteries has evolved from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] Battery cells are manufactured through electrode processing, assembly processes, and activation processes. The multiple battery cells manufactured are included in battery modules and battery packs as larger units for use in electric vehicles and the like. The electrode process is a key process that determines the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a rolling process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active materials and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector. In the rolling process, the electrode may be pressed by a pressing roller. In the rolling process, the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode may be determined. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes according to the design of the battery cell.

[0005] [Related technical literature]

[0006] [Patent Document]

[0007] (Patent Document 0001) Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0025288 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery manufacturing system and method capable of retrieving historical data of battery manufacturing.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] An example embodiment of the present invention provides a battery manufacturing system. The battery manufacturing system includes a coupling device configured to: form a plurality of first electrodes including an electrode identifier (ID) from a first electrode sheet, the electrode IDs being assigned to the first electrode sheet at intervals; form a plurality of second electrodes from a second electrode sheet; and combine the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The coupling device includes a controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input quantity of the first electrode sheet, a second input quantity of the second electrode sheet, and an electrode ID sensing signal. The coordinate-related electrode ID data includes the electrode ID, as well as at least one of the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID.

[0012] The battery manufacturing system may further include a server configured to store the coordinate-related electrode ID data.

[0013] The battery manufacturing system may further include a notching device configured to assign an electrode ID to the first electrode sheet at intervals of a certain pitch. The notching device may include: a notching machine configured to form electrode tabs at intervals of a certain pitch on the first electrode sheet; an ID marker configured to mark the electrode ID on the electrode tab; and a notching controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data, the coordinate-related electrode ID data including the electrode ID and first coordinates of a position of the first electrode sheet that matches the electrode ID during the notching process.

[0014] The first coordinate may be obtained based on an unwinding amount signal and / or a winding amount signal of the first electrode sheet when the electrode ID is sensed in the grooving process.

[0015] The connecting device may include: a first electrode cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll to provide a plurality of first electrodes; a second electrode cutter configured to cut a second electrode sheet unwound from a second electrode roll to provide a plurality of second electrodes; and a second electrode ID reader configured to sense the electrode ID of the electrode connector of each of the plurality of first electrodes to generate an electrode ID sensing signal.

[0016] A first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of first electrodes and a cutting count of the first electrode cutter, and a second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of second electrodes and a cutting count of the second electrode cutter.

[0017] The coupling device may include a first rotary encoder configured to generate a first input quantity signal indicative of a first input quantity of the first electrode sheet, and a second rotary encoder configured to generate a second input quantity signal indicative of a second input quantity of the second electrode sheet.

[0018] The server may store a roll map for each process, the roll map including roll map coordinates indicating positions on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet in a plurality of previous processes before the electrode ID is assigned. The server may match at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID with the roll map coordinates.

[0019] The battery manufacturing system may further include a subsequent process event data matching unit configured to match at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched with the electrode ID with process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes after combining the first electrode and the second electrode and / or an ID of at least one high-order battery component selected from the following:

[0020] 1) an assembly ID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0021] 2) Intermediate product ID of the battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly;

[0022] 3) The cell ID of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or battery intermediate product;

[0023] 4) a stack ID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0024] 5) the module ID of the battery module that includes the battery cell stack; and

[0025] 6) The battery pack ID of a battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules.

[0026] Example embodiments provide a battery manufacturing method. The battery manufacturing method includes the following steps: assigning electrode IDs to a first electrode sheet at intervals of a certain pitch; forming a plurality of first electrodes having the electrode IDs from the first electrode sheet, and forming a plurality of second electrodes from the second electrode sheet; combining the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; and collecting coordinate-related electrode ID data, the coordinate-related electrode ID data including the electrode IDs and at least one of coordinates of the first electrodes matching the electrode IDs and coordinates of the second electrodes matching the electrode IDs.

[0027] Electrode IDs may be assigned to electrode tabs formed on the first electrode sheet at intervals of a certain pitch by grooving.

[0028] In this battery manufacturing method, information on the position of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the electrode ID in the grooving process can be obtained as a first coordinate, and at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID can be matched with the first coordinate.

[0029] Coordinate-related electrode ID data may be collected based on a first input quantity of the first electrode sheet, a second input quantity of the second electrode sheet, and an electrode ID sensing signal.

[0030] The electrode ID sensing signal may be generated based on the sensing of the electrode ID.

[0031] A first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of first electrodes and a cutting count of the first electrode cutter, and a second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of second electrodes and a cutting count of the second electrode cutter.

[0032] The first input quantity of the first electrode sheet can be determined by a first input quantity signal generated by a first rotary encoder, the first rotary encoder is configured to sense the rotation amount of a first electrode unwinder, the first electrode unwinder is configured to unwind the first electrode sheet, and the second input quantity of the second electrode sheet can be determined by a second input quantity signal generated by a second rotary encoder, the second rotary encoder is configured to sense the rotation amount of a second electrode unwinder, the second electrode unwinder is configured to unwind the second electrode sheet.

[0033] The battery manufacturing method may also include the following steps: in multiple previous processes before assigning the electrode ID, when the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet are moved while performing specific operations on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, coordinates indicating the positions on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet in each process are obtained, and at least one of the coordinates of the first electrode sheet and the coordinates of the second electrode sheet in each process is matched with the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID.

[0034] At least one of the coordinates of the first electrode sheet and the coordinates of the second electrode sheet in each process may be roll map coordinates collected based on an input amount and / or depletion amount of the first electrode sheet or the second electrode sheet in a plurality of processes.

[0035] The battery manufacturing method may further include the step of matching at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID with process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes after combining the first electrode and the second electrode and / or an ID of at least one high-level battery component selected from the following:

[0036] 1) an assembly ID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0037] 2) Intermediate product ID of the battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly;

[0038] 3) The cell ID of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or battery intermediate product;

[0039] 4) a stack ID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0040] 5) the module ID of the battery module that includes the battery cell stack; and

[0041] 6) The battery pack ID of a battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules.

[0042] Example embodiments provide an electrode assembly including at least one combination of a first electrode having an electrode ID and a second electrode having coordinates matching the electrode ID, wherein the electrode assembly includes an assembly ID corresponding to the electrode ID.

[0043] Example embodiments provide at least one high-level battery assembly including an electrode assembly, wherein the at least one high-level battery assembly is selected from the following:

[0044] 1) Battery intermediate products including electrode assemblies;

[0045] 2) a battery intermediate product including an electrode assembly and having an intermediate product ID corresponding to the assembly ID;

[0046] 3) Battery cells including electrode assemblies or battery intermediate products;

[0047] 4) a battery cell including an electrode assembly or a battery intermediate product and having a cell ID corresponding to the electrode assembly ID or the intermediate product ID;

[0048] 5) a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0049] 6) a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and having a stack ID corresponding to the cell ID;

[0050] 7) A battery module including a battery cell stack;

[0051] 8) a battery module including a battery cell stack and having a module ID corresponding to the stack ID;

[0052] 9) a battery pack comprising a plurality of such battery modules; and

[0053] 10) A battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and having a battery pack ID corresponding to the module ID.

[0054] Beneficial effects

[0055] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the traceability of roll diagrams and intermediate products (such as single or dual cells) generated during the electrode manufacturing process can be improved. Furthermore, the traceability of the relationship between the assembly process of the intermediate product and subsequent processes after the assembly process can be improved. Consequently, the reliability of battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0056] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertains can clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein from the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can derive from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention the unexpected effects that can be achieved when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 A battery manufacturing system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0058] Figure 2 A notching device according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0059] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A lamination apparatus according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0060] Figure 5 The relative positions of the components with respect to the positive electrode sheet (ESP) are shown.

[0061] Figure 6 The relative positions of the components with respect to the negative electrode sheet (ESN) are shown.

[0062] Figure 7 A roll diagram generated in a number of previous processes prior to the joining process is shown.

[0063] Figure 8 Data matched to volume map coordinates are shown.

[0064] Figure 9 A subsequent process event data matching unit according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0065] Figure 10 Matching of data of a battery manufacturing system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0066] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a battery according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to those defined in commonly understood or commonly used dictionaries, and should be understood based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present invention, based on the inventors of this application who can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principles of the present invention.

[0068] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not reflect all technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of alternative configurations will be made on the filing date of this application.

[0069] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to describing the present invention would obscure the subject matter of the present invention due to unnecessary detail, they are not described in detail.

[0070] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the sizes or ratios of the components fully reflect their actual sizes or ratios.

[0071] (First embodiment)

[0072] Figure 1 A battery manufacturing system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0073] Figure 2 A notching device according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0074] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A coupling arrangement according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0075] Figure 5 The relative positions of the components with respect to the positive electrode sheet ESP are shown.

[0076] Figure 6 The relative positions of the components with respect to the negative electrode sheet ESN are shown.

[0077] Figure 1 A battery manufacturing system 10 is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 1The battery manufacturing system 10 may include a coating device 100, a rolling device 200, a slitting device 300, a grooving device 400, a connecting device 500, a subsequent process device 600, an equipment interface (EIF) 1100, a server 1200 and a display device 1300.

[0079] The battery manufacturing system 10 may be configured to perform a series of roll-to-roll processes to manufacture battery cells (eg, pouch-type battery cells, prismatic battery cells, or cylindrical battery cells).

[0080] The coating process, the rolling process, and the slitting process are included in the electrode manufacturing process in which the electrode is applied to the electrode sheet. The grooving process is a process for forming an electrode joint by processing the electrode sheet, and the connecting process is a process for manufacturing a unit cell such as a single cell or a double cell by stacking electrodes with electrode joints. The grooving process and the connecting process (for example, a lamination process, a lamination and stacking process, a lamination and folding process, or a zigzag stacking process (such as a zigzag stacking (ZZS) process) or an advanced zigzag stacking (AZS) process) are included in the assembly process.

[0081] In the lamination and stacking process (L&S process), such unit cells are stacked to form a stacked cell type electrode assembly. In the lamination and folding process (L&F process), such unit cells are folded through a separator to form a folded cell type electrode assembly.

[0082] In a process such as the ZZS process or the AZS process, electrodes having electrode tabs formed thereon are sequentially stacked between zigzag-shaped separators to simultaneously combine and stack the electrodes, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0083] The electrode assembly is housed in a cell housing, and the electrolyte is injected to form a semi-finished battery cell. When electrical characteristics are assigned to it through an activation process, etc., the semi-finished battery cell becomes a finished battery cell. The multiple finished battery cells manufactured can be grouped together to manufacture a battery module or a battery pack. As described above, various subsequent processes such as lamination and stacking process, lamination and folding process, ZZS process, AZS process, shell insertion process, injection process, activation process, modularization process and battery pack process should be performed to obtain finished products such as battery cells, battery modules and battery packs.

[0084] The present invention is characterized in that coordinate-related electrode identification (ID) data is collected by associating an electrode identifier (ID) assigned to an electrode sheet in a slotting process with the coordinates of a plurality of electrodes cut in a joining process (e.g., a lamination process). Quality tracking of process artifacts, intermediate products, and products can be performed by associating the electrode ID data with process event data in a plurality of previous processes before the joining process and a plurality of subsequent processes after the joining process. The electrode ID data includes an electrode ID and coordinate data corresponding to the electrode ID. By making the coordinate data corresponding to the electrode ID correspond to the coordinates in a plurality of previous processes, the coordinate-related process event data in the previous process can be associated with the electrode ID data. In addition, the ID of a high-order battery assembly including an electrode with an electrode ID can be associated with the electrode ID data. The ID of the high-order battery assembly is associated with subsequent process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes, so that the electrode ID data can be associated with the subsequent process event data.

[0085] The electrode sheet unwound from the electrode roll placed in the coating device 100 (coating process) can be processed by the coater of the coating device 100, the pressure roller of the rolling device 200 or the slitting knife of the slitting device 300, and the processed electrode sheet can be wound around the electrode roll. Therefore, the process performed by the coating device 100, the rolling device 200 and the slitting device 300 to produce the electrode can be referred to as a roll-to-roll process. The electrode roll placed in the slotting device 400 can be slotted to form electrode joints at intervals of a certain pitch and wound onto the electrode roll again after the electrode ID (which is an identification symbol) is assigned to it. Therefore, the process performed by the slotting device 400 can also be referred to as a roll-to-roll process. The connecting device 500 (e.g., a laminating device 500) can laminate together a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll (e.g., a negative electrode roll), a second electrode sheet unwound from a second electrode roll (e.g., a positive electrode roll), and a diaphragm sheet unwound from a diaphragm roll. Therefore, the process performed by the laminating apparatus 500 may also be referred to as a roll-to-roll process.

[0086] The coating device 100 can perform a coating process on the electrode sheet. During the coating process, the electrode sheet can be coated with an electrode slurry. The electrode slurry can include an active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be prepared by dissolving the active material, conductive agent, binder, etc. in a solvent.

[0087] The rolling device 200 can perform a rolling process on the electrode sheet. During the rolling process, the electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry can pass between rollers. The rolling process can flatten the surface of the electrode sheet and improve the bonding strength between the active material of the electrode sheet and the current collector.

[0088] The slitting device 300 may perform a slitting process on the electrode sheet, and the electrode sheet may be divided into a plurality of electrode sheets through the slitting process.

[0089] The EIF 1100 may be a device for communication between the server 1200 and a controller of a manufacturing device (e.g., a process programmable logic controller (PLC)). The process PLC of the coating device 100, the process PLC of the rolling device 200, the process PLC of the slitting device 300, and the process PLC 443 of the slotting device 400 (see Figure 2 ) and the process controller 540 of the laminating apparatus 500 (see Figure 4 ) can communicate with the server 1200 through the EIF 1100. Therefore, data of process events generated by the coating device 100, the rolling device 200, the slitting device 300, the slotting device 400, and the laminating device 500 can be transmitted to the server 1200.

[0090] Data of process events generated by controllers of various types of subsequent process devices in a stacking process, a folding process, a shell insertion process, an injection process, an activation process, a modularization process, packaging, etc. may also be transmitted to the server 1200 .

[0091] The server 1200 may store the electrode IDs collected in the notching process and coordinates (first coordinates to be described below) indicating positions of electrode pieces corresponding to the electrode IDs in the notching process.

[0092] The server 1200 may also store coordinate-related electrode ID data collected during the lamination process.

[0093] Server 1200 can be configured to generate or store a roll map containing data about process events. The roll map data can include values ​​indicating process events and coordinates corresponding to these values. The coordinates can indicate locations on the electrode. Thus, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the battery manufacturing process, as described below.

[0094] A roll map can be generated in batches. A batch is a production unit for a roll-to-roll process, and the electrode rolls (or electrode assembly rolls) separated after achieving the target winding length in each process are examples of batches. Similarly, the electrode rolls loaded on the unwinder in each process are examples of batches. The server 1200 can generate or store a roll map in each process (e.g., a coating process, a rolling process, a slitting process, or a slotting process).

[0095] In the volume graph, time series data structured over time (ie, according to the progress of the process) may be associated with coordinate data collected based on the movement amount (ie, depletion amount or input amount) of the electrode sheet.

[0096] Battery manufacturing involves a series of different processes, with previous processes influencing subsequent ones. In this case, when the time-series data from previous processes doesn't directly match real-world artifacts, intermediate products, and finished products, it's difficult to reflect that data in subsequent processes. Hereinafter, correcting subsequent processes based on data generated from the results of previous processes will be referred to as feedforward.

[0097] Here, the workpiece is a product provided as a result of each process, for example, an electrode sheet to which a coating process, a rolling process, a slitting process and a slotting process are performed. The intermediate product may include a diaphragm, an electrode or its components cut by a lamination process. The intermediate product may be a structure including a housing and an electrode assembly included in the housing (in some cases, the structure also includes an electrolyte). The product is a product that can be used as a battery processed by an activation process. The above definitions of workpiece, intermediate product and product are only definitions in one aspect thereof and therefore should not be understood as excluding their general definitions.

[0098] Typically, a process event occurs as a result of executing a process, and therefore its data is time-series data. Therefore, the data of a process event may include a value indicating the event and a time value matching the event. Therefore, the data of a process event may be time-series data.

[0099] For feedforward, the time series data should be associated with locations on real-world workpieces, components, intermediate products, and products. Here, feedforward can include controlling the processing of the electrode sheet based on a roll map generated in a previous process. The roll map can allow the time series data to be associated with coordinate data, which includes the coordinates of the locations on real-world workpieces, components, intermediate products, and products. The roll map can provide a match between the time series data and the real-world workpieces, components, intermediate products, and products based on the coordinate data. Therefore, feedforward based on the roll map and the generation of the roll map can improve productivity and quality by digitizing and objectifying aspects of the process that depend on the judgment of the operator.

[0100] Reel maps of previous batches can be used to improve the process of subsequent batches, and this activity can be referred to as process feedback. Process feedback using reel maps can include identifying process conditions and process parameters that have caused problems and defects based on data included in the reel map.

[0101] In addition, as described below, roll graphs can be cumulatively generated for workpieces, intermediate products, and products of unit processes to track the process history of products on the market (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, a battery cell may include an electrode ID of an electrode included in an electrode assembly or a high-order ID formed on an electrode assembly or a housing. The ID may include batch numbers and coordinate information of electrodes and diaphragms included in the battery cell. In other words, the ID may be associated with a roll graph of electrodes and diaphragms included in the battery cell. Therefore, when an event such as a quality problem occurs in a battery cell on the market, historical data on the manufacturing of the battery cell can be retrieved based on the ID.

[0102] According to an example embodiment, the server 1200 may be a data processing system that supports all activities required to manage the manufacture of the battery, such as work scheduling management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance statistics. The server 1200 used as a data processing system may include, for example, a manufacturing execution system (MES). The MES may be configured to perform the input, processing, output, and communication of data required to manufacture the electrode (e.g., coating process, pressing process, and manufacturing process).

[0103] According to other example embodiments, server 1200 can be configured to store and process raw measurement data. Server 1200 can manage the quality of processing electrode sheets by continuously monitoring the processing of electrode sheets based on measurement data. To this end, server 1200 can include a statistical process controller (process controller, SPC) as a high-order data processing system. SPC can collect and analyze manufacturing data in almost real time to identify problem conditions in a timely manner and provide an alarm to the operator before potential problems occur.

[0104] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server 1200 may include a data warehouse as a high-level data processing system, for example. The data warehouse may store volume maps over a long period of time, such as a shelf life of a product.

[0105] According to other example embodiments, the server 1200 may perform all functions of MES, SPC, and data warehouse, or be provided separately from MES, SPC, and data warehouse to create a volume map.

[0106] The server 1200 may generate a visualization command to visualize the volume map. The server 1200 may transmit the visualization command to the display device 1300, and the display device 1300 may visualize and display the volume map.

[0107] Figure 2 A notching apparatus 400 is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0108] In the grooving process, a joint can be formed on the electrode sheet, and a V-shaped groove can be formed as needed to cut the electrode sheet. In the grooving process, a first electrode joint (e.g., a negative electrode joint TN) and a second electrode joint (e.g., a positive electrode joint TP) can be formed.

[0109] During the trenching process, an electrode ID (EID) may be formed on the first electrode tab. The electrode ID (EID) may be formed by methods such as laser printing or ink printing. Thus, each of the first electrode tabs TN may include an electrode ID (EID). Unlike the negative electrode tab TN, the positive electrode tab TP may not include an electrode ID (EID) to prevent defects.

[0110] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode ID EID may include a symbol indicating the serial number of the negative terminal TN. The symbol of the electrode ID EID may include, but is not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbol of the electrode ID EID may include any characters that provide information related to the serial number of the negative terminal TN. The electrode ID EID may be a barcode or a QR code.

[0111] The slotting device 400 may include an unwinder 411, a rewinder 413, a slotting machine 415, an inspection and / or measurement device 431, a first rotary encoder 421, a second rotary encoder 423, an ID marker 433, a first electrode ID reader 435, a reel PLC 441, and a process PLC 443. The reel PLC 441 and the process PLC 443 together form a slotting controller 440 of the slotting device 400.

[0112] In the groove forming process, a first electrode sheet (eg, a negative electrode sheet) may be grooved, and a second electrode sheet (eg, a positive electrode sheet) may be grooved.

[0113] In the slotting process, the first electrode unwinding roll ER4 can be loaded on the unwinder 411. The first electrode unwinding roll ER4 can be a slitting roll wound after a previous process (e.g., a slitting process). The unwinder 411 can be configured to unwind the first electrode sheet ES4 from the first electrode unwinding roll ER4 in the slotting process. The rewinder 413 can be configured to wind the first electrode sheet ES4 that is slotted after being unwound by the unwinder 411 into the first electrode winding roll ER5. The first electrode sheet ES4 can be wound into the first electrode winding roll ER5 and cut and separated after reaching a certain winding length. Therefore, in the slotting process, the first electrode sheet ES4 can move between the unwinder 411 and the rewinder 413.

[0114] The first rotary encoder 421 can be configured to sense the amount of the first electrode sheet ES4 unwound from the first electrode unwinding reel ER4 by the unwinder 411. The first rotary encoder 421 can be configured as a contact type or a non-contact type. The first rotary encoder 421 can be configured to generate an unwinding amount (input amount) signal UWAS4 indicating the length of the first electrode sheet ES4 unwound by the unwinder 411. The first rotary encoder 421 can be configured to transmit the unwinding amount signal UWAS4 to the reel diagram PLC 441.

[0115] The second rotary encoder 423 may be configured to sense the amount of the first electrode sheet ES4 wound into the first electrode roll ER5 by the rewinder 413. Therefore, the second rotary encoder 423 may be configured to generate a winding amount (exhaustion amount) signal WAS4 indicating the length of the first electrode sheet ES4 wound by the rewinder 413. The second rotary encoder 423 may be configured to transmit the winding amount signal WAS4 to the winding diagram PLC 441.

[0116] The slotting machine 415 can be a device configured to mechanically punch an electrode joint in a metal foil or to cut and remove a portion of the metal foil by laser, and the electrode active material is formed into a substantially uniform thickness and width on the metal foil. The slotting machine 415 can be a device known in the art to which the present invention belongs. In some embodiments, the slotting machine 415 can be a slotting pressing device and includes, for example, a driving component configured to move the slotting die up and down at regular intervals. As the slotting die moves downward, the edge of the first electrode sheet ES4 is punched at intervals of a certain pitch to form an electrode joint (lead joint) of a certain shape (e.g., a rectangular shape).

[0117] After the groove process, the ID marker 433 can mark the electrode ID EID on each electrode joint. The ID marker 433 can be, for example, an inkjet ink marker or a laser marker, but is not limited thereto. An appropriate marker can be selected and used within the range of achieving high visibility and not damaging the electrode.

[0118] The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to sense the electrode ID EID. The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to read the serial number indicated by the electrode ID EID. The first electrode ID reader 435 may be, for example, a bar code reader (BCR), but is not limited thereto. The first electrode ID reader 435 may be an optical character reader (OCR). The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to generate an electrode ID sensing signal EIDS based on the sensing of the electrode ID EID. The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to transmit the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS to the slot controller 440.

[0119] In addition, the ID tag 433 or the first electrode ID reader 435 may include a joint sensor and a trigger board to obtain serial number (count) information of the electrode ID.

[0120] The joint sensor can identify the length of each electrode joint, i.e., the pitch. The trigger board can increase the count value based on the length of each electrode joint received from the joint sensor. The trigger board can convert the count value of the length of each electrode joint into a BCD code and transmit the BCD code to the ID marker 433, the first electrode ID reader 435, or the slotting controller 440.

[0121] As described above, the ID marker 433 or the first electrode ID reader 435 may receive specification information (pitch information) of the electrode and obtain a count value (serial number information) of each pitch to mark or identify the electrode ID on the electrode tab of each pitch.

[0122] The inspection and / or measuring device 431 can be configured to inspect or measure the first electrode sheet ES4 to collect inspection and / or measurement data of the first electrode sheet ES4. The inspection and / or measuring device 431 can inspect and / or measure the first electrode sheet ES4 in a scanning manner. In some embodiments, the inspection and / or measuring device 431 can move in the width direction of the first electrode sheet ES4. The inspection and / or measuring device 431 may include a sensing portion 431S and a processor 431P. The sensing portion 431S may be configured to sense the physical quantity of the first electrode sheet ES4 to generate an inspection and / or measurement signal MS4. The sensing portion 431S and the processor 431P may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0123] For example, the sensing portion 431S may include an imaging device such as a time delay and integration (TDI) camera or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The sensing portion 431S may be configured to generate an inspection signal IS indicating the surface of the first electrode sheet ES4. The sensing portion 431S may be configured to transmit an inspection and / or measurement signal MS4 to the processor 431P. The inspection and / or measurement signal MS4 may include, for example, an image of the surface of the first electrode sheet ES4.

[0124] The processor 431P may be configured to collect the inspection and / or measurement signal MS4 generated by the sensing portion 431S to generate inspection and / or measurement data. The processor 431P may be configured to collect coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 based on the inspection and / or measurement signal MS4 and the coordinate data CD4. The processor 431P may be configured to transmit the coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 to the reel map PLC 441.

[0125] The winding map PLC 441 may be configured to collect coordinate data CD4 of the first electrode sheet ES4 based on the winding amount data or unwinding amount data of the first electrode sheet ES4. For example, the movement distance of the first electrode sheet ES4 may be determined, thereby determining the position of the portion of the first electrode sheet ES4 wound by the rewinder 413 at each time point during the slitting process.

[0126] The coordinate data CD4 may include coordinates that match each portion of the first electrode sheet ES4. That is, each of any points on the first electrode sheet ES4 may be matched to a coordinate. The coordinates may be, but are not limited to, one-dimensional quantities of the first electrode sheet ES4 in the machine direction. The coordinates may be two-dimensional (2D) quantities of the first electrode sheet ES4 in the Y-axis direction in the machine and transverse directions.

[0127] The roll chart PLC 441 can be in operative communication with the first rotary encoder 421, the second rotary encoder 423, the inspection and / or measurement device 431, the ID marker 433, and the first electrode ID reader 435 via a wired or wireless data network. The data network can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network can be implemented through a physical channel, WiFi, a public network, and / or a dedicated network using Bluetooth or other frequency bands. The first rotary encoder 421, the second rotary encoder 423, the inspection and / or measurement device 431, the ID marker 433, and the first electrode ID reader 435 can be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, intermediate products, and products in the slotting device 400, or generate signals for collecting data therefrom.

[0128] The roll map PLC 441 may be configured to transmit the coordinate data CD4 to the processor 431P. The processor 431P may be configured to associate the coordinate data CD4 with the inspection and / or measurement data to generate coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4. In general, the inspection and / or measurement data may be processed based on trigger points. Examples of processing the inspection and / or measurement data may include storing and modifying the inspection and / or measurement data (e.g., to generate coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4) and transmitting the inspection and / or measurement data.

[0129] As a non-limiting example, a trigger point for processing inspection and / or measurement data may be the completion of a scan. For example, the sensing unit 431S may scan the sheet material across the width of the first electrode sheet ES4 and, each time a scan is performed, may store, process, modify, and transmit inspection and / or measurement data. As another example, a trigger point may be the completion of multiple scans or the partial completion of a scan.

[0130] The coordinate related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 transmitted to the volume map PLC 441 may be transmitted to the server 1200 via the process PLC 443. Figure 2 100, but the coordinate related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 can be transmitted via the EIF 1100 (see Figure 1 ) is transmitted from the process PLC 443 to the server 1200.

[0131] The process PLC 443 and the EIF 1100 may relay data communications, including coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4, between the server 1200 and the reel map PLC 441. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the reel map PLC 441 may transmit the coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 directly to the server 1200.

[0132] The process PLC 443 may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder 411, the rewinder 413, the slotter 415, the ID marker 433, and the first electrode ID reader 435. The process PLC 443 may be configured to generate a signal for operating or stopping the unwinder 411, the rewinder 413, and the slotter 415. The process PLC 443 may be configured to generate a signal for operating or stopping the unwinder 411, the rewinder 413, the slotter 415, the ID marker 433, and the first electrode ID reader 435. The signal may be generated based on a body containing details of the product ID and the manufacturing recipe.

[0133] The slotting controller 440 may be configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data, including the electrode ID EID and first coordinates of the position of the first electrode sheet ES4 that matches the electrode ID EID during the slotting process. When the electrode ID EID is sensed during the slotting process, the first coordinates may be obtained based on an unwinding amount signal and / or a winding amount of the first electrode sheet ES4.

[0134] The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to generate an electrode ID sensing signal EIDS based on the sensing of the electrode ID EID. The first electrode ID reader 435 may be configured to transmit the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS to the slotting controller 440.

[0135] Specifically, the first electrode ID reader 435 senses a certain electrode ID on the first electrode sheet ES4 and transmits the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS to the reel map PLC 441 of the slotting controller 440. The reel map PLC 441 can collect the coordinates (first coordinates) of the portion of the first electrode sheet ES4 corresponding to the electrode ID EID from the unwinding amount signal UWAS4 or the winding amount signal WAS4 of the first electrode sheet ES4 at the time point when the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS is sensed. That is, in the slotting process, the slotting controller 440 can collect coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1, which includes the electrode ID EID and the first coordinate matching the electrode ID EID. The coordinate-related electrode ID data in the slotting process and the coordinate-related electrode ID data in the laminating process to be described below can be respectively referred to as first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 and second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 to distinguish them from each other. The first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 can include the electrode ID and the first coordinate.

[0136] According to an example embodiment, the position of the first electrode sheet ES4 at the time point when the first electrode ID reader 435 senses the electrode ID may be different from the position of the first electrode sheet ES4 based on the data of the unwinding amount sensed by the first rotary encoder 421 or the data of the winding amount sensed by the second rotary encoder 423.

[0137] According to an example embodiment, the first coordinate may be a value calculated by subtracting the offset distance from the unwinder 411 to the first electrode ID reader 435 from the coordinate of the first electrode sheet ES4 based on the data of the unwinding amount sensed by the first rotary encoder 421 at the time point when the electrode ID is sensed.

[0138] Alternatively, according to an example embodiment, the first coordinate may be a value calculated by adding the offset distance from the winder 413 to the first electrode ID reader 435 to the coordinates of the first electrode sheet ES4 based on the data of the winding amount sensed by the second rotary encoder 423 at the time point when the electrode ID is sensed.

[0139] The first coordinate may be a starting coordinate or an ending coordinate of a portion of the first electrode sheet ES4 having a certain pitch and including an electrode contact with the electrode ID EID marked thereon, or a coordinate of the electrode contact. Alternatively, the first coordinate may include at least two of the starting coordinate and the ending coordinate of a portion of the first electrode sheet ES4 having a certain pitch and including an electrode contact with the electrode ID EID marked thereon, and the coordinate of the electrode contact.

[0140] The first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 including the first coordinate and the electrode ID matching the first coordinate is transmitted from the reel PLC 441 to the server 1200 via the process PLC 443 .

[0141] For process control, a communication line may be installed between the process PLC 443 and the server 1200 via the EIF 1100 to connect the process PLC 443 and the first server 1210. Therefore, compared to a case where the first and second rotary encoders 421, 423 and the inspection and / or measurement device 431 transmit the unwinding amount signal UWAS4, the winding amount signal WAS4, and the inspection and / or measurement signal MS4 directly to the first server 1210 and a case where the roll map PLC 441 transmits various types of data directly to the first server 1210, data transmission through the process PLC 443 can reduce resources required for installing the communication line and ensure efficient data processing and management.

[0142] The server 1200 may include a first server 1210 , a second server 1220 , and a third server 1230 .

[0143] The first server 1210 may be configured to generate a roll map in the slotting process. In addition, the first server 1210 may generate a roll map in a previous process (such as a coating process, a rolling process, and a slitting process) before the slotting process (see Figure 7 ).

[0144] A roll map can be generated per batch formed by winding and cutting sheets. The roll map can include data regarding the specifications of the batch. The specifications of the batch can include, for example, the batch number, the length of the wound sheet, the width of the sheet, the material used to process the sheet, and the composition of the material. The first server 1210 can be configured to generate a roll map of the first electrode winding reel ER5 obtained by winding the slotted first electrode sheet ES4 based on the coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 and additional process event data transmitted from the process PLC 443. The process event data and the coordinates corresponding thereto can be displayed on the roll map.

[0145] According to an example embodiment, the first server 1210 may be a data processing system that supports all activities required for managing the manufacture of secondary batteries, such as work scheduling management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance summary. The first server 1210 may be, for example, a manufacturing execution system (MES). The first server 1210 may be configured to perform input, processing, output, and communication of data required for manufacturing electrodes (including coating processes, rolling processes, slitting processes, and slotting processes).

[0146] The first server 1210 may generate a visualization command to visualize the volume map. The first server 1210 may transmit the visualization command to the display device, and the display device may visualize and display the volume map. Figure 7 The volume diagram shown.

[0147] The first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 can be transmitted from the slotting controller 440 to the first server 1210. The first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 includes the electrode ID EID and the first coordinate related to the electrode ID EID. Therefore, by detecting the coordinates of the actual electrode sheet corresponding to the first coordinates in the previous process before the slotting process and matching the coordinates with the first coordinates, the coordinates of the portion of the electrode sheet in the previous process corresponding to the electrode ID EID in the slotting process can be matched with the electrode ID EID. In addition, as Figure 7 As shown, the roll map of the previous process includes various process event data of the previous process and the roll map coordinates. Therefore, by matching the first coordinates with the roll map coordinates, for example, the information of the roll map corresponding to a specific electrode ID of the previous process can be used to retrieve process event data of the previous process with quality-related issues.

[0148] In addition, as will be described below, by matching the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 with the second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 in the lamination process and the ID of the higher-order battery component in subsequent processes, multiple data can be connected or tracked in almost all processes of battery manufacturing.

[0149] The second server 1220 may be configured to store and process coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 and first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1. The second server 1220 may manage the quality of the processed sheet material by continuously monitoring the processing of the sheet material based on the stored data. According to an example embodiment, the second server 1220 may be a static process controller (SPC). The second server 1220 may collect and analyze manufacturing data in near real time to promptly identify problematic conditions and provide notifications to operators before potential problems occur.

[0150] The third server 1230 may be configured to store the coordinate-related measurement data CMD4 and the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 transmitted from the second server 1220. When the first server 1210 is an MES and the second server 1220 is an SPC, they may not be suitable for storing the relevant data for a long period of time. The third server 1230 may be, for example, a data warehouse and may store the coordinate-related measurement data CMD4 and the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 for a long period of time, such as based on the shelf life of the product.

[0151] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The laminating device 500 may include a positive electrode unwinder 511P, a negative electrode unwinder 511N, a diaphragm unwinder 511S1 and 511S2, electrode cutters 513P and 513N, a guide roller 515, a diaphragm cutter 517, a rotary encoder 521P and 521N, a joint sensor 523P and 523N, an electrode gap sensor 525, a second electrode ID reader 527, a controller 540, and servers 1210, 1220, and 1230.

[0152] The lamination device 500 can be configured to perform, for example, a lamination and stacking process. As a result of the lamination process, a single cell MC can be provided. Each of the single cells MC can include a positive electrode EPP, a negative electrode EPN, and a separator. During the stacking process, the single cell MC and the additional half-cell can be stacked in a vertical direction to provide an electrode assembly.

[0153] The lamination process is a process after the slotting process. Therefore, in the lamination process, the first electrode winding roll ER5 and the second electrode winding roll completed in the slotting process are loaded onto the unwinder. In this case, the electrode sheet having the electrode ID EID provided on the electrode tab by marking the ID in the slotting process is the first electrode sheet. In this embodiment, the electrode ID EID is assigned to the negative electrode tab in the slotting process, so the negative electrode sheet and the negative electrode are the first electrode sheet and the first electrode in the lamination process. The positive electrode sheet is slotted in the slotting process, so the positive electrode sheet includes the positive electrode tab, but the electrode ID is not assigned to the positive electrode sheet, so the positive electrode sheet and the positive electrode are the second electrode sheet and the second electrode in the lamination process. Conversely, when the electrode ID is assigned to the positive electrode tab and not to the negative electrode tab in the slotting process, the positive electrode sheet and the positive electrode are the first electrode sheet and the first electrode, and the negative electrode sheet and the negative electrode are the second electrode sheet and the second electrode.

[0154] The unwinders 511P, 511N, 511S1, and 511S2 may be configured to place roll-type materials into the laminating device 500. More specifically, the unwinder 511P may be configured to unwind the positive electrode sheet ESP from the positive electrode roll ERP, the unwinder 511N may be configured to unwind the negative electrode sheet ESN from the negative electrode roll ERN, and the separator unwinders 511S1 and 511S2 may be configured to unwind separator sheets SS1 and SS2 from the separator rolls SR1 and SR2.

[0155] The positive electrode roll ERP and the negative electrode roll ERN can be provided through a range of battery manufacturing processes. For example, the positive electrode roll ERP and the negative electrode roll ERN can be provided through coating, rolling, selective slitting, and slotting.

[0156] The coating and rolling processes are performed on wide electrode sheets to increase production (e.g., GWh) per production line of battery production equipment. Subsequently, in the slitting process, the wide electrode sheets can be cut according to the specifications of the battery cells. Depending on the specifications of the battery cells, the slitting process can be omitted.

[0157] The positive electrode cutter 513P can be configured to cut the positive electrode sheet ESP. A plurality of positive electrode EPPs can be provided by cutting the positive electrode sheet ESP. The negative electrode cutter 513N can be configured to cut the negative electrode sheet ESN. A plurality of negative electrode EPNs can be provided by cutting the negative electrode sheet ESN.

[0158] The controller 540 can control the operation of the positive electrode cutter 513P and the negative electrode cutter 513N as described below, and thus can be configured to count the number of times the positive electrode sheet ESP is cut by the positive electrode cutter 513P and the number of times the negative electrode sheet ESN is cut by the negative electrode cutter 513N. For example, the controller 540 can be configured to receive a first cutting count signal CCSN from the negative electrode cutter 513N and a second cutting count signal CCSP from the positive electrode cutter 513P.

[0159] Guide roller 515 may be configured to define a path for separator sheets SS1 and SS2. Separator sheets SS1 and SS2 may be aligned side by side via guide roller 515. Positive EPP and negative EPN electrodes may be located on separator sheets SS1 and SS2. For example, the negative EPN electrode may be located on separator sheet SS2, and the positive EPP electrode may be located on separator sheet SS1. The positive EPP and negative EPN electrode may be electrically and physically separated by separator sheet SS1.

[0160] The diaphragm cutter 517 may be configured to cut the diaphragm sheets SS1 and SS2. Before the diaphragm sheets SS1 and SS2 are cut by the diaphragm cutter 517, the stacked structure of the diaphragm sheets SS1 and SS2, the positive electrode EPP, and the negative electrode EPN may be pressurized by a roller (not shown) or the like. By cutting the diaphragm sheets SS1 and SS2, a single cell MC including the positive electrode EPP, the negative electrode EPN, and the diaphragm may be provided.

[0161] The first rotary encoder 521N can be configured to sense the rotation amount of the unwinder 511N. The first rotary encoder 521N can be configured to sense the amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN unwound from the negative electrode roll ERN by the unwinder 511N. Therefore, the first rotary encoder 521N can be configured to generate a first input quantity signal UWSN indicating the length of the negative electrode sheet ESN unwound by the unwinder 511N (i.e., the input quantity of the negative electrode sheet ESN). The first rotary encoder 521N can be configured to transmit the first input quantity signal UWSN to the controller 540.

[0162] The second rotary encoder 521P can be configured to sense the rotation amount of the unwinder 511P. The second rotary encoder 521P can be configured to sense the amount of positive electrode sheet ESP unwound from the positive electrode roll ERP by the unwinder 511P. Therefore, the second rotary encoder 521P can be configured to generate a second input quantity signal UWSP indicating the length of the positive electrode sheet ESP unwound by the unwinder 511P (i.e., the input quantity of the positive electrode sheet ESP). The second rotary encoder 521P can be configured to transmit the second input quantity signal UWSP to the controller 540.

[0163] The first joint sensor 523N may be configured to sense a joint of the negative electrode sheet ESN. Here, the negative electrode sheet ESN may include a joint when the negative electrode roll ERN is replaced with another negative electrode roll (i.e., when the latter negative electrode roll ERN is loaded on the unwinder 511N), when the electrode is broken in the current process (i.e., during the processing of the negative electrode sheet ESN by the laminating device 500), or when the electrode is broken in the previous process (i.e., during the processing of the negative electrode roll ERN before being loaded on the unwinder 511N).

[0164] The first joint sensor 523N may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The first joint sensor 523N may be configured to generate a first joint sensing signal JSSN. The first joint sensing signal JSSN may be transmitted to the controller 540.

[0165] The second joint sensor 523P may be configured to sense a joint of the positive electrode sheet ESP. Here, the positive electrode sheet ESP may include a joint when the positive electrode roll ERP is replaced with another positive electrode roll (i.e., when the subsequent positive electrode roll ERP is loaded on the unwinder 511P), when the electrode is broken in the current process (i.e., during processing of the positive electrode sheet ESP by the laminating device 500), or when the electrode is broken in the previous process (i.e., during processing of the positive electrode roll ERP before being loaded on the unwinder 511P).

[0166] The second joint sensor 523P may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The second joint sensor 523P may be configured to generate a second joint sensing signal JSSP. The second joint sensing signal JSSP may be transmitted to the controller 540.

[0167] The electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to sense the gap between the positive electrode EPPs and the gap between the negative electrode EPNs. For example, the electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to sense the gap between the positive electrode EPPs. As another example, the electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to sense the gap between the negative electrode EPNs. As another example, the electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to sense the gap between the positive electrode EPPs and the gap between the negative electrode EPNs.

[0168] The electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to generate a gap sensing signal ISS. The electrode gap sensor 525 may be configured to transmit the gap sensing signal ISS to the controller 540.

[0169] The second electrode ID reader 527 can be configured to sense the electrode ID EID. The second electrode ID reader 527 can be configured to read the serial number indicated by the electrode ID EID. The second electrode ID reader 527 can be, for example, a bar code reader (BCR), but is not limited thereto. The second electrode ID reader 527 can be an optical character reader (OCR). The second electrode ID reader 527 can be configured to generate an electrode ID sensing signal EIDS based on the sensing of the electrode ID EID. The second electrode ID reader 527 can be configured to transmit the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS to the controller 540.

[0170] The controller 540 may be configured to control elements of the laminating apparatus 500 , for example, the unwinders 511P, 511N, 511S1 , and 511S2 , the positive electrode cutter 513P, the negative electrode cutter 513N, and the separator cutter 517 .

[0171] The controller 540 can be in operative communication with the rotary encoders 521P and 521N, the joint sensors 523P and 523N, the electrode gap sensor 525, and the second electrode ID reader 527 via a wired or wireless data network. The data network can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The rotary encoders 521P and 521N, the joint sensors 523P and 523N, the electrode gap sensor 525, and the second electrode ID reader 527 can be configured to collect data from the equipment, workpieces, intermediate products, and products in the laminating apparatus 500 or generate signals for collecting data therefrom.

[0172] As a non-limiting example, the controller 540 may be a programmable logic controller (PLC). A PLC is a special type of microprocessor-based controller that uses programmable memory to store instructions and implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations to control machines and processes. PLCs are easy to operate and program.

[0173] The controller 540 may include a power supply, a CPU, an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and a memory device. For the operation of the controller 540, power may be supplied to other components of the controller 540, such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory device. The communication interface may be configured to send and receive data between the controller 540 and the server 1200.

[0174] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the controller 540 may include one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU, or a GPU, a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware.

[0175] Cutting can be performed by the positive cutter 513P and the negative cutter 513N based on a pitch as a regularly repeated unit. The pitch can be the minimum unit length that repeats the same shape or structure, such as the machine direction length between the positive terminals TP of adjacent positive electrodes EEP. Because the positive electrode sheets ESP are cut to substantially the same target length, the input amount of the positive electrode sheets ESP can be proportional to the cutting count (e.g., cutting count signal CCSP) from the positive cutter 513P. Similarly, because the negative electrode sheets ESN are cut to substantially the same target length, the input amount of the negative electrode sheets ESN can be proportional to the cutting count (e.g., cutting count signal CCSN) from the negative cutter 513N.

[0176] More specifically, as shown in Formula 1, the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_P and the pitch Pitch_P and the offset length OLP1. Here, the offset length OLP2 may be the length of the positive electrode sheet ESP between the unwinder 511P and the positive cutter 513P.

[0177] [Formula 1]

[0178] Input_P=OLP2+(Pitch_P)×(Cutcount_P)

[0179] Similarly, as shown in Formula 2, the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_N and the pitch Pitch_N and the offset length OLN2. Here, the offset length OLN2 may be the length of the negative electrode sheet ESN between the unwinder 511N and the negative electrode cutter 513N.

[0180] [Formula 2]

[0181] Input_N = OLN2 + (Pitch_N) × (Cutcount_N)

[0182] As another example, the input quantity of the negative electrode ESN can be determined based on the first input quantity signal UWSN from the first rotary encoder 521N, and the input quantity of the positive electrode ESP can be determined based on the second input quantity signal UWSP from the second rotary encoder 521P.

[0183] The input quantity of the positive electrode sheet ESP can indicate the relative position of the portion of the positive electrode sheet ESP unwound by the unwinder 511P on the positive electrode sheet ESP. The controller can be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring on the positive electrode sheet ESP based on the input quantity of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the offset lengths OLP1, OLP2, and OLP3. The controller can also be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring on the negative electrode sheet ESN based on the input quantity of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the offset lengths OLN1, OLN2, and OLN3.

[0184] For example, the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode sheet ESP sensed by the joint sensor 521P (i.e., the coordinates on the positive electrode sheet ESP derived from the joint sensing signal JSSP) can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the offset length OLP1. The offset length OLP1 may be the length of the positive electrode sheet ESP between the unwinder 511P and the portion of the positive electrode sheet ESP sensed by the joint sensor 521P.

[0185] For example, the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode sheet ESP cut by the positive cutter 513P can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the offset length OLP2. The offset length OLP2 can be the length of the positive electrode sheet ESP between the unwinder 511P and the portion of the positive electrode sheet ESP cut by the positive cutter 513P.

[0186] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the positive electrode EPP coupled to the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the offset length OLP3. The offset length OLP3 may be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the positive electrode sheet ESP between the unwinder 511P and the positive electrode EPP coupled to the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527.

[0187] In this case, the positive electrode EPP, not the positive electrode sheet ESP, exists between the positive electrode cutter 513P and the second electrode ID reader 527. Therefore, the offset length OLP3 may not be the actual length of the positive electrode sheet ESP, but may be an equivalent length calculated based on the cutting count of the positive electrode cutter 513P or determined according to the second input quantity signal UWSP.

[0188] The input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN may indicate the relative position of the portion of the negative electrode sheet ESN unwound by the unwinder 511N on the negative electrode sheet ESN. The coordinates of an event occurring on the negative electrode sheet ESN may be determined based on the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN.

[0189] For example, the coordinates of the portion of the negative electrode sheet ESN sensed by the joint sensor 521N (i.e., the coordinates on the negative electrode sheet ESN derived from the joint sensing signal JSSN) can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the offset length OLN1. The offset length OLN1 may be the length of the negative electrode sheet ESN between the unwinder 511N and the portion of the negative electrode sheet ESN sensed by the joint sensor 521N.

[0190] For example, the coordinates of the portion of the negative electrode sheet ESN cut by the negative electrode cutter 513N can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the offset length OLN2. The offset length OLN2 can be the length of the negative electrode sheet ESN between the unwinder 511N and the portion of the negative electrode sheet ESN cut by the negative electrode cutter 513N.

[0191] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 can be determined by performing an arithmetic operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) on the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the offset length OLN3. The offset length OLN3 may be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the negative electrode sheet ESN between the unwinder 511N and the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527.

[0192] In this case, a negative electrode EPN, not a negative electrode sheet ESN, exists between the negative electrode cutter 513N and the second electrode ID reader 527. Therefore, the offset length OLN3 may not be the length of the actual negative electrode sheet ESN, but may be an equivalent length calculated based on the cutting count of the negative electrode cutter 513N or determined according to the first input quantity signal UWSN.

[0193] Coordinates on the positive electrode sheet ESP can match portions of the positive electrode sheet ESP. That is, any point on the positive electrode sheet ESP can have coordinates. The coordinates can be, but are not limited to, 1D quantities in the machine direction MD (or length direction) of the sheet SM. The coordinates can also be 2D quantities in both the machine direction MD and the cross direction (or width direction) of the positive electrode sheet ESP.

[0194] The coordinates on the negative electrode sheet ESN can match portions of the negative electrode sheet ESN. That is, any point on the negative electrode sheet ESN can have coordinates. The coordinates can be, but are not limited to, 1D quantities in the machine direction MD (or length direction) of the sheet SM. The coordinates can also be 2D quantities in both the machine direction MD and the cross direction (or width direction) of the negative electrode sheet ESN.

[0195] The controller 540 may be configured to collect second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 based on the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS, the input quantity of the positive electrode sheet ESP, and the input quantity of the negative electrode sheet ESN. As described above, the input quantity of the negative electrode sheet ESN may be calculated based on the cutting count of the negative electrode cutter 513N or determined by the first input quantity signal UWSN.

[0196] As described above, the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP may be calculated based on the cutting count of the positive electrode cutter 513P or determined by the second input amount signal UWSP.

[0197] According to an example embodiment, the controller 540 may be configured to determine the coordinates of the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 by performing an arithmetic operation on the input amount of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the offset length OLN3. The controller 540 may be configured to match the coordinates of the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 with the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS.

[0198] According to an example embodiment, the controller 540 may be configured to determine the coordinates of the positive electrode EPP coupled to the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 by performing an arithmetic operation on the input amount of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the offset length OLP3. The controller 540 may be configured to match the coordinates of the positive electrode EPP coupled to the negative electrode EPN sensed by the second electrode ID reader 527 with the electrode ID sensing signal EIDS.

[0199] Here, the coordinates of the negative electrode EPN may be the starting coordinates or ending coordinates of the negative electrode EPN or the coordinates of the negative electrode terminal TN. The coordinates of the negative electrode EPN may include at least two of the starting coordinates and ending coordinates of the negative electrode EPN and the coordinates of the negative electrode terminal TN. The coordinates of the positive electrode EPP may be the starting coordinates or ending coordinates of the positive electrode EPP or the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode EPP that overlaps with the negative electrode terminal TN. The coordinates of the positive electrode EPP may include at least two of the starting coordinates and ending coordinates of the positive electrode EPP and the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode EPP that overlaps with the negative electrode terminal TN.

[0200] To match the electrode ID EID with the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the negative electrode sheet ESN, the batch number of the positive electrode roll ERP from which the positive electrode sheet ESP is unwound, and the batch number of the negative electrode roll ERN from which the negative electrode sheet ESN is unwound, should be determined. The joint sensing signal JSSP and the joint sensing signal JSSN can be used to identify the batch. According to an example embodiment, the controller 540 can update the batch numbers of the positive electrode roll ERP and the negative electrode roll ERN based on the joint sensing signal JSSP and the joint sensing signal JSSN. Therefore, the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the positive electrode sheet ESP can be reset based on the joint sensing signal JSSP and the joint sensing signal JSSN.

[0201] The offset lengths OLP1 and OLN1 can be used to update the batch number and reset the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet ESN and the positive electrode sheet ESP. Here, the offset length OLP1 can be the length of the positive electrode sheet ESP between the unwinder 511P and the joint sensor 521P. Here, the offset length OLN1 can be the length of the negative electrode sheet ESN between the unwinder 511N and the joint sensor 521N.

[0202] More specifically, when a new positive electrode roll ERP is loaded onto the unwinder 511P, the new positive electrode roll ERP should be connected to the remaining positive electrode sheets ESP of the previous batch using a joint to continue the roll-to-roll process. For example, it can be determined that the joint of the positive electrode sheet ESP that is first sensed after the new batch of positive electrode roll ERP is loaded onto the unwinder 511P indicates that a portion of the subsequent positive electrode sheet ESP has been unwound from the newly loaded positive electrode roll ERP. Therefore, when the joint sensing signal JSSP is generated after the new positive electrode roll ERP is loaded, the controller 540 can be configured to match the electrode ID EID with the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet ESP of the subsequent batch. The electrode ID EID of each negative electrode EPN connected to the positive electrode EPP can be assigned to another batch based on the loading of the positive electrode roll ERP and the sensing of the joint.

[0203] Similarly, when a new negative electrode roll ERN is loaded onto the unwinder 511N, the new negative electrode roll ERN should be connected to the remaining negative electrode sheets ESN of the previous batch using a joint to continue the roll-to-roll process. For example, it can be determined that the joint of the negative electrode sheet ESN that is first sensed after the new batch of negative electrode roll ERN is loaded onto the unwinder 511N indicates that a portion of the subsequent negative electrode sheet ESN has been unwound from the newly loaded negative electrode roll ERN. Therefore, when the joint sensing signal JSSN is generated after the new negative electrode roll ERN is loaded, the controller 540 can be configured to match the electrode ID EID with the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet ESN of the subsequent batch. The electrode ID EID of each negative electrode EPN can be assigned to another batch based on the loading of the negative electrode roll ERN and the sensing of the joint.

[0204] The second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 may include the electrode ID EID of the negative electrode EPN, and at least one of the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet ESN matching the electrode ID EID of the negative electrode EPN.

[0205] The first server 1210 may be configured to relay communication between the controller 540 and the second server 1220. The first server 1210 may be configured to convert data collected by the controller 540 (e.g., the second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2) into a language of the server 1200 and record the converted data in a database of the second server 1220.

[0206] The second server 1220 may be configured to store or process the second-coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2. The second server 1220 may be configured to transmit the second-coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 to a third server 1230. The third server 1230 may be, for example, a data warehouse, and may store the second-coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 for a long period of time, such as based on the shelf life of the product. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the product can be tracked over its life cycle.

[0207] In addition, the third server 1230 can match the electrode ID EID with a roll diagram of a previous process of the positive electrode roll ERP and a roll diagram of a previous process (e.g., electrode process) of the negative electrode roll ERN. The third server 1230 is a data warehouse and thus can include historical data (i.e., roll diagrams) on the manufacture of the positive electrode roll ERP and historical data (i.e., roll diagrams) on the manufacture of the negative electrode roll ERN.

[0208] Here, the reel diagram may represent process events of the positive electrode sheet ESP and the negative electrode sheet ESN based on the reel diagram coordinates of positions on the positive electrode sheet ESP and the negative electrode sheet ESN.

[0209] The roll map may include event data indicating events of the roll-to-roll process of the electrode sheets ESP and ESN. Typically, event data is generated based on the progress of the process and is therefore time series data. Therefore, the data of process events may include values ​​indicating the events and time values ​​matched thereto. Time series data may be time-ordered. Time ordering is the main feature of time series data and should be understood as organizing events in the order in which they occur and are to be processed. That is, time series data may be stored based on the time points when the events occur (i.e., when inspection and measurement are performed or when the actions of the process are performed), and the events may be matched to the time values.

[0210] The roll diagram can indicate the history of processes performed on the positive electrode sheet ESP and the negative electrode sheet ESN, and includes data related to the coordinates. Therefore, the roll diagram enables feedback, feedforward and tracking of the battery manufacturing process.

[0211] The single cell MC may include an electrode ID EID on the negative electrode connector TN, and the second server 1220 may include the batch number and coordinates on the positive and negative electrodes included in the single cell MC that matches the electrode ID EID. In other words, the positive electrode EPP and the negative electrode EPN included in the battery cell can be associated with the roll map using the electrode ID EID. Therefore, when an event such as a quality problem occurs in a single cell MC that has been shipped (or a battery cell including a single cell MC), the history of the aggregated data of the manufacturing of the single cell MC can be retrieved based on the electrode ID.

[0212] According to some embodiments, the operations of servers 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be implemented by instructions stored in a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, a machine-readable medium may include any device for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). Examples of machine-readable media may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other types of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and other signals.

[0213] The servers 1210, 1220, and 1230 may include firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or the processes described below. For example, the servers 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be instantiated in memory.

[0214] However, the instantiation of servers 1210, 1220, and 1230 in memory is merely an example provided for ease of description, and the operation of servers 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be caused by a computing device, a distributed computing device, a processor, or other type of device for executing firmware, software, routines, and instructions.

[0215] Figure 7 shows a roll diagram generated in a number of previous processes prior to lamination, and Figure 8 Data matched to volume map coordinates are shown. Figure 10 Matching of data of a battery manufacturing system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0216] Reference Figure 7 The coil diagram in the coating process, the coil diagram in the rolling process, and the coil diagram in the slotting process are arranged side by side in the length direction of the electrode sheet as the raw material. Figure 7 The reverse surface of the electrode sheet is coated with electrode slurry and rolled, and the roll pattern in the coating process and the roll pattern in the rolling process are prepared for the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrode sheet, respectively. In some cases, the slitting process may be performed between the rolling process and the slotting process. Although not shown, the roll pattern of the reverse surface of the electrode sheet in the slitting process may also be similar to Figure 7 However, in the slotting process, only the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode are slotted without any special treatment. In the slotting process, the characteristics of the upper and lower surfaces are not particularly changed by the slotting, so regardless of the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode, it is sufficient to prepare only a single plane of the roll pattern.

[0217] In the roll diagram, electrode manufacturing history data in a series of electrode manufacturing processes (including electrode coating process, rolling process, slotting process, etc.) can be recorded to specify the cause of defects in relation to the relationship between subsequent processes. The server 1200 stores roll diagrams of a plurality of previous processes of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet respectively related to the first electrode and the second electrode laminated in the lamination process. For example, Figure 7 The roll diagram may be a roll diagram of a plurality of previous processes (a coating process, a rolling process, and a slotting process) of the first electrode sheet.

[0218] The roll map includes roll map coordinates representing locations on the first electrode sheet. The server 1200 can be aligned with Figure 7 The roll diagram shown makes the process roll diagram correspond to a portion of the same real electrode sheet.

[0219] Figure 7 The winding coordinates ①, ② and ③ of the first electrode sheet in the slotting process are shown as "90.04", "189.78" and "220,37" respectively. Figure 7 In the figure, the portions of the roll graphs for the rolling and coating processes corresponding to the roll graph coordinates "90.04," "189.78," and "220,37" of the slotting process, respectively, are indicated by dashed lines on the roll graph of the slotting process. Therefore, the roll graph coordinates of the corresponding portions of the roll graphs for the rolling and coating processes can be searched from the roll graphs for the rolling and coating processes or the roll graph for the slotting process, or through arithmetic operations. However, the roll graph coordinates for the rolling and coating processes may differ from the roll graph coordinates for the slotting process. Figure 7 It is shown that only the reel coordinates of the slotting process may correspond to the reel coordinates of other processes, and thus actual reel coordinates of corresponding portions of the reel may vary in each process.

[0220] Electrode IDs EIDs of different serial numbers may be assigned to portions of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the roll coordinates ①, ②, and ③.

[0221] Figure 8 An example of first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 of the grooving process is shown. Figure 8 The electrode ID EID "SBKF010098" in the slotting process and the corresponding roll coordinate (first coordinate) "89.79" of the first electrode sheet correspond to each other. In addition, the time point at which the electrode ID EID and the roll coordinate are obtained and the batch ID of the first electrode sheet are also shown. However, Figure 8 This is merely an example, and the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 may also include inspection and / or measurement data at a point in time or additional process event data.

[0222] As described above, the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 can be obtained in the slotting process, and the roll maps of other processes corresponding to the electrode ID and first coordinates in the slotting process can be compared with each other. Therefore, the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 can be matched with the corresponding roll map coordinates and process event data in another process.

[0223] During the lamination process, second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 may be obtained, including the electrode ID EID, coordinates of a first electrode (eg, cathode) matching the electrode ID EID, and coordinates of a second electrode (eg, anode) matching the electrode ID EID.

[0224] Therefore, the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 having the same electrode ID as the electrode ID EID included in the second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 can be associated. Therefore, at least one of the electrode ID EID of the second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID EID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID EID can be matched with the electrode ID EID and the first coordinates included in the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1. Furthermore, corresponding roll coordinates in a plurality of previous processes (coating process, rolling process, slitting process, etc.) can be matched with the first coordinates.

[0225] To summarize, the server 1200 can match at least one of the electrode ID EID included in the second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 in the lamination process, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID EID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID EID with the corresponding roll coordinates in multiple previous processes (coating process, rolling process, slitting process, and slotting process).

[0226] exist Figure 10 , a data set obtained in the lamination process (second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2) is indicated by PD1, EID, Ca, and Cb. PD1 represents process event data of the lamination process, EID represents the electrode ID at the time point when the process event data is obtained, and Ca and Cb represent the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID, respectively.

[0227] When the electrode ID corresponding to the electrode ID EID in the slotting process is found, the second coordinate-related electrode ID data can be matched with the first coordinate-related electrode ID data. The data set obtained in the slotting process is indicated by PDn, EID, and Cn. PDn represents the process event data of the slotting process, EID represents the electrode ID obtained at the time point of obtaining the process event data and is the same as the electrode ID in the lamination process, and Cn represents the coordinates of the first electrode sheet that matches the electrode ID, that is, the first coordinate. Although Figure 10 Although not shown, the coordinates (first coordinates) of the second electrode piece in the grooving process corresponding to the coordinates Cb of the second electrode in the lamination process can also be obtained.

[0228] As described above, the reel coordinates C1, C2, ..., Cn of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the electrode ID EID and the first coordinate Cn of the slotting process in multiple previous processes can be obtained. In addition, the process event data PD1, PD2, ..., PDn related to these reel coordinates can be obtained from the reel diagrams of multiple previous processes. Figure 10 Although not shown, the reel coordinates corresponding to the coordinates Cb of the second electrode in the lamination process in a plurality of previous processes and process event data related thereto may be obtained.

[0229] Figure 9 A subsequent process event data matching unit according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 10 Matching of data of a battery manufacturing system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0230] The battery manufacturing system 10 of the present invention further includes a subsequent process event data matching unit 610 configured to match at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched with the electrode ID.

[0231] Matching is performed with process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes after the combination of the first electrode and the second electrode and / or an ID of at least one high-level battery component selected from the following:

[0232] 1) an assembly ID AID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0233] 2) Intermediate product ID HID of battery intermediate products including electrode assemblies;

[0234] 3) Cell ID (CID) of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or battery intermediate product;

[0235] 4) a stack ID SID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0236] 5) a module ID MID of the battery module including the battery cell stack; and

[0237] 6) The battery pack ID PID of a battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules.

[0238] The battery manufacturing system 10 of the present invention may include, for example, Figure 9 The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 is shown. The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 can be a process controller that manages each subsequent process. Specifically, the process controller can be a PLC. The PLC can be defined as a control device for maintenance, management, automatic control and monitoring of the process system for manufacturing batteries. The process controller may include Figure 9 The main control unit 611 shown. The main control unit 611 can control the overall operation of the process controller and the overall process flow of the process. The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 may include an electrode ID collector 612 and a process event data collector 613. The electrode ID collector 612 can be, for example, a bar code reader (BCR). The process event data collector 613 can be an inspection and / or measuring device installed in each process. For example, in the activation process, inspection and / or measurement data can be obtained from a measuring device that measures the charge / discharge capacity, temperature, etc. of the battery cell to be activated. Alternatively, the PLC of each process can collect process event data, such as equipment data and time series data.

[0239] The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 may match the process event data with the electrode ID. The matched electrode ID and data for each subsequent process may be transmitted to the server 1200. The server 1200 may match the electrode ID and event data for each subsequent process with the roll map coordinates of the previous process stored in the server 1200 and / or the process event data matched with the roll map coordinates, the first coordinate-related electrode ID data, and the second coordinate-related electrode ID data.

[0240] In addition, when subsequent processes are performed, a plurality of electrodes are bundled together to form an electrode assembly, or the electrode assemblies are bundled together to form a larger unit (e.g., a battery intermediate product, a battery cell, a battery cell stack, a battery module, or a battery pack). An identification mark (ID) may be assigned to such a high-order battery assembly having an electrode assigned an electrode ID EID. A high-order battery assembly may include a plurality of low-order battery assemblies. Figure 9The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 includes a high-level battery component ID generator 614. The high-level battery component ID generator 614 can assign a physical ID or a virtual ID to a high-level battery component. For example, the high-level battery component ID generator 614 can be an ID marker. Alternatively, the high-level battery component ID generator 614 can be a virtual ID generator capable of specifying a high-level battery component by generating certain counting information using a joint sensor or a trigger plate.

[0241] Figure 10 The IDs of various types of high-level battery components in multiple subsequent processes are shown.

[0242] For example, in a lamination process, an electrode assembly can be formed by stacking or folding at least one combination (e.g., a single cell or a dual cell) in which a first electrode and a second electrode are combined. That is, a stacked cell type electrode assembly is manufactured by a lamination and stacking (L&S) process, and a folded cell type electrode assembly is manufactured by a lamination and folding (L&F) process. In a process such as a ZZS process or an AZS process, electrodes having electrode tabs formed thereon are sequentially stacked between zigzag separators to simultaneously combine and stack the electrodes, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0243] When the ID of the electrode assembly is AID, the AID may correspond to a plurality of electrode IDs EID1, EID2, ... included in the electrode assembly. Process event data PDa obtained in an assembly process (such as an L&S or L&F process or a ZZS or AZS process) may be collected by the process event data collector 613 and matched with the AID and the plurality of electrode IDs EID1, EID2, ... Figure 10 The data sets PDa, AID, EID1, EID2, ... in the assembly process are shown.

[0244] The electrode assembly is housed in a housing and an electrolyte is injected to perform an activation process. A battery cell that has not undergone the activation process is not a finished product, and an item including an unfinished electrode assembly is a battery intermediate product. An intermediate product ID HID may be assigned to such a battery intermediate product and may correspond to multiple AIDs AID1, AID2, ... and multiple electrode IDs EID1, EDI2, ... . The process event data PDb of the intermediate product manufacturing process may correspond to the HID, AID, and EID.

[0245] The cell ID CID can be assigned to the battery cell completed after the activation process. A plurality of battery cells can be stacked to form a stack. At least one stack can be housed in a module housing to form a module. A plurality of modules can be housed in a battery pack housing to form a battery pack. The cell ID CID, stack ID SID, module ID MID and battery pack ID PID are assigned to the battery cell, cell stack, module and battery pack, respectively. As described above, the ID of a high-order battery component can be associated with the IDs of multiple low-order battery components, and ultimately associated with the electrode ID EID in the connecting process and the slotting process. With respect to the ID of the high-order battery component, the process event data of each process is associated with the ID of the process.

[0246] Therefore, according to the present invention, based on the second coordinate-related electrode ID data (especially the electrode ID) of the connection process, the ID and process event data of the high-order battery components in multiple subsequent processes can be matched with each other. In addition, the second coordinate-related electrode ID data of the connection process can be associated with the first coordinate-related electrode ID data of the slotting process as the previous process, and can be associated with the coil coordinates and process event data in the coating process, rolling process, and slitting process as the electrode manufacturing process.

[0247] In summary, according to the present invention, the history of all products derived from electrodes can be traced throughout all processes from the electrode manufacturing process to the battery finished product manufacturing process.

[0248] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0249] (Second embodiment)

[0250] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a battery according to an example embodiment.

[0251] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 11 In operation P110, an electrode ID may be assigned to the first electrode sheet ES4 during the slotting process. After slotting by the slotting machine 415, the ID marker 433 marks the electrode ID at intervals of a certain pitch on the electrode joint formed on the first electrode sheet ES4 to assign the electrode ID EID.

[0252] Since the electrode ID EID is sensed by the first electrode ID reader 435 during the slotting process, the electrode ID EID and the first coordinates of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the electrode ID can be obtained. The electrode ID EID and the first coordinates can be included in the first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1. The first coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD1 can be transmitted from the slotting controller 440 to the server 1200 along with the coordinate-related inspection and / or measurement data CMD4 or other additional process event data.

[0253] Next, in operation P120, in a joining process (e.g., a lamination process), a plurality of first electrodes having an electrode ID may be formed from the first electrode sheet, and a plurality of second electrodes may be formed from the second electrode sheet. That is, the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP may be cut to form first electrodes EPN and second electrodes EPP.

[0254] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 11 , a plurality of negative electrode EPNs (first electrodes) can be cut at a substantially constant pitch by a negative electrode cutter 513N. A plurality of positive electrode EPPs (second electrodes) can be cut at a substantially constant pitch by a positive electrode cutter 513P. Each of the plurality of positive electrode EPPs can include a positive electrode tab TP, and each of the plurality of negative electrode EPNs can include a negative electrode tab TN.

[0255] Next, in operation P130, multiple positive electrode EPPs and multiple negative electrode EPNs can be connected to each other. Multiple positive electrode EPPs and multiple negative electrode EPNs can be connected together with separator sheets SS1 and SS2 to prevent short circuits. Multiple positive electrode EPPs, multiple negative electrode EPNs, and separator sheets SS1 and SS2 can be pressed by rollers. Single battery cells MC can be provided by cutting separator sheets SS1 and SS2 by a separator cutter 517. Alternatively, in a ZZS process or an AZS process, an electrode assembly can be manufactured by sequentially stacking the positive electrode EPP and the negative electrode EPN on a zigzag separator.

[0256] Next, in operation P140, second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 may be collected. The second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 may be collected by matching at least one of the coordinates of the plurality of positive electrodes EPP and the coordinates of the plurality of negative electrodes EPN with the electrode ID EID. The second coordinate-related electrode ID data EIDD2 may be collected by the controller 540 and stored in the server 1200.

[0257] Next, in operation P150, the roll diagram of the previous process can be associated with the electrode ID of the negative electrode EPN. The roll diagram can be generated in the electrode process (including coating, rolling and selective cutting) and slotting process for the manufacture of the positive electrode roll ERP and the negative electrode roll ERN. Therefore, when each of the negative electrode sheet (first electrode sheet) and the positive electrode sheet (second electrode sheet) moves while being performed a specific process in multiple previous processes before the electrode ID is assigned, coordinates indicating the position on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be obtained in each process. The coordinates of the first electrode sheet and the coordinates of the second electrode sheet can be roll diagram coordinates collected based on the input amount and / or depletion amount of the first electrode sheet or the second electrode sheet in multiple processes.

[0258] In each process, at least one of the roll coordinates of the first electrode sheet and the roll coordinates of the second electrode sheet may match at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode that matches the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode that matches the electrode ID. In this case, the second-coordinate-related electrode ID data may match the first-coordinate-related electrode ID data. Therefore, the first coordinate included in the first-coordinate-related electrode ID data may match the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode, and the coordinates of the second electrode included in the second-coordinate-related electrode ID data.

[0259] Thereafter, in operation P160, at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched with the electrode ID may be obtained by, for example Figure 9 The subsequent process event data matching unit 610 matches the ID and / or process event data of the high-order battery component obtained in the subsequent process.

[0260] In this case, the ID of the high-level battery component may include at least one of the following:

[0261] 1) an assembly ID AID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0262] 2) Intermediate product ID HID of battery intermediate products including electrode assemblies;

[0263] 3) Cell ID (CID) of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or battery intermediate product;

[0264] 4) a stack ID SID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0265] 5) a module ID MID of the battery module including the battery cell stack; and

[0266] 6) The battery pack ID PID of a battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules.

[0267] (Third embodiment)

[0268] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide workpieces, intermediate products, and products with assured quality traceability from the manufacture of electrodes to the manufacture of finished batteries.

[0269] According to the present invention, an electrode assembly (an electrode assembly stacked in a zigzag form by a stacking cell process, a folding cell process, an AZS process, or a ZZS process) including at least one combination (e.g., at least one single cell or a dual cell) having an electrode ID EID and a second electrode (e.g., a positive electrode) having coordinates matching the electrode ID and having an assembly ID AID can be provided.

[0270] The present invention may provide at least one high-level battery assembly, the at least one high-level battery assembly comprising an electrode assembly and selected from the following:

[0271] 1) Battery intermediate products including electrode assemblies;

[0272] 2) a battery intermediate product including an electrode assembly and having an intermediate product ID HID corresponding to the assembly ID AID;

[0273] 3) Battery cells including electrode assemblies or battery intermediate products;

[0274] 4) a battery cell including an electrode assembly or a battery intermediate product and having a cell ID CID corresponding to the electrode assembly ID EID or the intermediate product ID HID;

[0275] 5) a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells;

[0276] 6) a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells and having a stack ID SID corresponding to the cell ID CID;

[0277] 7) A battery module including a battery cell stack;

[0278] 8) a battery module including a battery cell stack and having a module ID MID corresponding to the stack ID SID;

[0279] 9) a battery pack comprising a plurality of such battery modules; and

[0280] 10) A battery pack including a plurality of such battery modules and having a battery pack ID PID corresponding to the module ID MID.

[0281] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of alternative configurations will be made on the filing date of this application.

[0282] (reference numerals)

[0283] 10: Battery manufacturing system

[0284] 100: coating device

[0285] 200: Roller pressing device

[0286] 300: Slitting device

[0287] 400: Slotting device

[0288] 500: Laminating device

[0289] 600: Subsequent process equipment

[0290] 1100: EIF

[0291] 1200: Server, 1210: First server, 1220: Second server, 1230: Third server

[0292] 1300: Display device

[0293] 411: Unwinding Machine

[0294] 413: Rewinding Machine

[0295] 421, 423: Rotary encoder

[0296] 415: Slotting Machine

[0297] 433: ID Marker

[0298] 431: Inspection and / or measuring devices

[0299] 435: First electrode ID reader

[0300] 441: Roll PLC

[0301] 443: Process PLC

[0302] 440: Slotted Controller

[0303] 511P, 511N, 511S1, 511S2: Unwinding machine

[0304] 513P: Positive electrode cutter, 513N: Negative electrode cutter

[0305] 515: Guide roller

[0306] 517: Diaphragm Cutter

[0307] 521P, 521N: Rotary encoder

[0308] 523P, 523N: Joint sensor

[0309] 525: Electrode gap sensor

[0310] 527: Second electrode ID reader

[0311] 540: Controller

Claims

1. A battery manufacturing system, comprising a coupling device configured to: form a plurality of first electrodes including electrode identifiers (IDs) from a first electrode sheet, the electrode IDs being assigned to the first electrode sheet at intervals; form a plurality of second electrodes from a second electrode sheet; and combine the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. in, The connecting device includes a controller, which is configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input quantity of the first electrode sheet, a second input quantity of the second electrode sheet and an electrode ID sensing signal, and the coordinate-related electrode ID data includes at least one of the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID, as well as the electrode ID. 2 . The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a server configured to store the coordinate-related electrode ID data. 3 . The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a notching device configured to assign the electrode IDs to the first electrode sheets at intervals of a certain pitch.

4. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 3, wherein: The slotting device comprises: a slotting machine configured to form electrode joints at intervals of a certain pitch on the first electrode sheet; An ID marker configured to mark the electrode ID on the electrode connector; and A slotting controller is configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data, the coordinate-related electrode ID data including the electrode ID and first coordinates of a position of the first electrode piece matched with the electrode ID in a slotting process.

5. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 4, wherein: When the electrode ID is sensed in the grooving process, the first coordinate is obtained based on at least one of an unwinding amount signal and a winding amount signal of the first electrode sheet.

6. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling device comprises: a first electrode cutter configured to cut the first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll to provide the plurality of first electrodes; a second electrode cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet unwound from a second electrode roll to provide the plurality of second electrodes; and A second electrode ID reader is configured to sense an electrode ID of an electrode contact of each of the plurality of first electrodes to generate the electrode ID sensing signal.

7. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 6, wherein: calculating the first input amount of the first electrode sheet based on a pitch between the plurality of first electrodes and a cutting count of the first electrode cutter, and The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of second electrodes and a cutting count of the second electrode cutter.

8. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 6, wherein: The coupling device comprises: a first rotary encoder configured to generate a first input quantity signal indicating the first input quantity of the first electrode sheet; and A second rotary encoder is configured to generate a second input quantity signal indicating the second input quantity of the second electrode sheet.

9. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 2, wherein: The server stores a roll map for each process, the roll map including roll map coordinates indicating the positions on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet in multiple previous processes before the electrode ID is assigned, and matches the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and at least one of the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID with the roll map coordinates.

10. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 2, further comprising a subsequent process event data matching unit configured to match at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched with the electrode ID with at least one of process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes after combining the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ID of at least one high-order battery component selected from the following: 1) an assembly ID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of the first electrode and the second electrode; 2) an intermediate product ID of a battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly; 3) the cell ID of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or the intermediate battery product; 4) a stack ID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; 5) a module ID of the battery module including the battery cell stack; and 6) A battery pack ID of a battery pack including multiple battery modules.

11. A battery manufacturing method, comprising the following steps: assigning electrode identifiers ID to the first electrode sheets at intervals of a certain pitch; A plurality of first electrodes having the electrode ID are formed by the first electrode sheet, and a plurality of second electrodes are formed by the second electrode sheet; combining the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; and Coordinate-related electrode ID data is collected, the coordinate-related electrode ID data including at least one of coordinates of a first electrode matched with the electrode ID and coordinates of a second electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the electrode ID.

12. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The electrode IDs are assigned to electrode tabs formed on the first electrode sheet at intervals of a certain pitch by grooving.

13. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein: obtaining information on the position of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the electrode ID in the slotting process as a first coordinate, and At least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched with the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched with the electrode ID is matched with the first coordinates.

14. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: collecting the coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input quantity of the first electrode sheet, a second input quantity of the second electrode sheet, and an electrode ID sensing signal, The electrode ID sensing signal is generated based on the sensing of the electrode ID.

15. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein: calculating the first input amount of the first electrode sheet based on a pitch between the plurality of first electrodes and a cutting count of a first electrode cutter, and The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is calculated based on a pitch between the plurality of second electrodes and a cutting count of a second electrode cutter.

16. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein: The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is determined by a first input amount signal generated by a first rotary encoder, the first rotary encoder being configured to sense a rotation amount of a first electrode unwinder configured to unwind the first electrode sheet, and The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is determined by a second input amount signal generated by a second rotary encoder configured to sense a rotation amount of a second electrode unwinder configured to unwind the second electrode sheet.

17. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: In multiple previous processes before the electrode ID is assigned, when the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet are moved while performing a specific operation on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, coordinates indicating the positions on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet in each process are obtained, and at least one of the coordinates of the first electrode sheet and the coordinates of the second electrode sheet in each process is matched with the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matching the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matching the electrode ID.

18. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: matching at least one of the electrode ID, the coordinates of the first electrode matched to the electrode ID, and the coordinates of the second electrode matched to the electrode ID with at least one of process event data obtained in a plurality of subsequent processes after combining the first electrode and the second electrode and an ID of at least one high-level battery component selected from the following: 1) an assembly ID of an electrode assembly including at least one combination of the first electrode and the second electrode; 2) an intermediate product ID of a battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly; 3) the cell ID of the battery cell including the electrode assembly or the intermediate battery product; 4) a stack ID of a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; 5) a module ID of the battery module including the battery cell stack; and 6) A battery pack ID of a battery pack including multiple battery modules.

19. An electrode assembly comprising at least one combination of a first electrode having an electrode identifier (ID) and a second electrode having coordinates matching the electrode ID, in, The electrode assembly includes an assembly ID corresponding to the electrode ID.

20. At least one high-level battery assembly, comprising the electrode assembly of claim 19, wherein: The at least one high-level battery component is selected from the following: 1) a battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly; 2) a battery intermediate product including the electrode assembly and having an intermediate product ID corresponding to the assembly ID; 3) a battery cell comprising the electrode assembly or the battery intermediate product; 4) a battery cell including the electrode assembly or the intermediate battery product and having a cell ID corresponding to the electrode assembly ID or the intermediate product ID; 5) A battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; 6) a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells and having a stack ID corresponding to the cell ID; 7) A battery module comprising the battery cell stack; 8) a battery module including the battery cell stack and having a module ID corresponding to the stack ID; 9) A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules; as well as 10) A battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and having a battery pack ID corresponding to the module ID.

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